Measurables:

6’4″ 295 pounds

Projected Round: 2-3

Scouting Report

Emerging player really coming on as a junior. He has really good size and could play in a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme. Similar size to that of Nick Fairley the former Auburn defensive tackle who took the country by storm in 2010. I don’t think he is quite as good of a prospect, but he has been named the Defensive Lineman of the Week in the SEC four times this season, which is a pretty high honor. He has very good athletic ability and a lot of upside going to the next level. I would like to see him get better leverage on opposing offensive linemen and make more sacks or plays behind the line, even though he has excelled in that area this season. Still very raw in his overall abilities. Relies a lot on his athletic ability, which won’t fly in the NFL. He needs to have better technique to be able to handle NFL offensive linemen. Does a good job of using his upper body strength to move linemen. He can line up both inside and outside, though he is more effective collapsing the pocket from the inside, it appears.

… [visit site to read more]

Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Mississippi State 2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

visit site to read more

Thursday Night NFL Draft Watch: LSU Tigers vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: Memphis Tigers vs. (20) Mississippi State Bulldogs - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Vick Ballard is an underrated running back prospect for the 2012 NFL Draft

14 Chris Relf, Quarterback, 6’4″ 245 (Senior)

Dual threat quarterback probably not on the top of your prospect lists for 2011, but still a player to watch as Mississippi State is ranked 20th in the country in the pre-season. Very big quarterback prospect who possesses all the physical tools you look for, but has only limited tape as a starting quarterback. Still very raw in that regard, and his accuracy right now is a major question. Despite that, he has the highest quarterback efficiency rating of any Mississippi State signal caller, and also ranks third in school history with a career completion percentage of 56.7 percent. He is not going to challenge Andrew Luck for the top pick, by any means, but keep an eye out for Relf, who could emerge as maybe one of the second or third tier quarterbacks in next year’s crop of players.

28 Vick Ballard, Running Back, 5’11″ 220 (Senior)

Had a breakout season last year as a junior after transferring from junior college, where he was a first team All-American. At JUCO, Ballard rushed for 1,728 yards and 22 touchdowns, and he continued that success with Mississippi State, setting a school record by running for 19 touchdowns. He carried the ball last year 186 times for 968 yards, and added another score through the air. He actually has a pretty similar running style to that of fellow former SEC running back Mark Ingram. He’s not the fastest but he’s quick and has good size for a running back. Thanks to Mississippi State’s depth at running back, he likely won’t be forced to take too many carries and get wear and tear on his body. Good vision and quickness, and better breakaway speed than his size would indicate. He will be a key component of the Mississippi State offense as a senior in 2011.

… [visit site to read more]

Mississippi State Bulldogs Top NFL Prospects for 2012 and Beyond - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Running Back Vick Ballard replaced Anthony Dixon a year ago.  Now Ballard is the leader of the Mississippi State ground game.

Offensive Outlook: Mississippi State is led by quarterback Chris Relf.  Relf is a dual threat quarterback that will be a part of Mississippi State’s offense.  Relf can be used as a scrambler or an option quarterback with all the talent the Bulldogs have in terms of running the football.  Running back Vick Ballard is another player on this Bulldogs

… [visit site to read more]

#15 Mississippi State Bulldogs Season Preview - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

Well it’s the mid-way point and the writers at NFL Mocks are keeping an eye towards next year’s draft.  We have our 2011 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board and many Scouting Reports.  Dont forget to check out our Team Needs and 2011 Prospect Position Rankings But now it’s time to get to the always controversial Mock Draft.   Once the season starts the order will slowly shift based on actually draft ranking at the time of the mock. An”if the draft was today…” segment if you will. We’ll be sticking with the seniors only til junior begin to declare. There will be a few eligible players that people will be surprised when they don’t come out. This mock was completed by staff writer Josh Deceuster.

1         Buffalo Bills – Jake Locker, QB Washington Team Needs

- Hasn’t had the best senior season or supporting cast, but he still has three games to get bowl eligible, the Senior Bowl and combine.He is still the highest rated senior quarterback and the position has tremendous value at the top of the draft. Locker has first rate intangibles and the athleticism Bills coach Chan Gailey likes in his QBs. Hopefully he gets healthy enough to play this week.

2         Carolina Panthers - Robert Quinn, DE North Carolina Team Needs

- Quinn is our first underclassmen to be coming out as he has been ruled ineligible by the NCAA and won’t be able to play college ball again. Quinn is best suited as a 4-3 DE, who is lean at a listed 270 and has the potential to get even stronger. He’s a local product and would be a best player available option and someone to excite the fan base. The Panthers need the best talent they can get this high in the draft.

3         Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara, CB Nebraska Team Needs

- There is some young talent on the Cowboy roster, but Newman is getting older and no one there is going to be a dominate corner back. Pass defense has been an issue and corner is a value position this high in the draft.

4         Cincinnati Bengals – Adrian Clayborn, DE Iowa Team Needs

- This senior class doesn’t have a lot of highly rated offensive skill position players, and I am not sure there is any one player that could get Carson Palmer to play better. As long as Marvin Lewis is there Palmer will get at least another year. They are just one year removed from being the AFC North champs. The Bengals have been offensive minded the past couple of drafts and if the same staff is together, than they may start picking for the defensive side and Clayborn could play at every spot on their defensive line.

5         Detroit Lions – Derek Sherrod, OT Mississippi State Team Needs

- The Lions are like the Panthers in that they could use top talent at just about every position. Sherrod is a fast rising senior tackle and if he continues his rise in the offseason, he could be the highest ranked tackle which would increase his value even more. The Lions should be doing what ever possible to keep Stafford upright and healthy.

6         San Francisco 49ers – Allen Bailey, DE/DT Miami Team Needs

- San Francisco misses out on their top need at quarterback and a 5-tech DE doesn’t have this high a value (i.e. Tyson Jackson), but the 49er defense is getting older and is having trouble getting stops when they need them.

7         Denver Broncos - Cameron Jordan, DE/DT Cal Team Needs

- Denver is also getting old on their defensive line and Jordan has the talent and experience playing in a 3-4 defense. He may be more athletic than his former team mate Tyson Alualu, who went 10th to Jacksonville last year.

8        Arizona Cardinals – Bruce Carter, OLB North Carolina Team Needs

- Carter is a speedy linebacker who probably fits better in a 4-3 scheme, but could be used on the outside in a 3-4 scheme as well. The Cardinals are linebacker deprived after losing key veterans and having recent picks not developing fast enough.

9         Minnesota Vikings – Gabe Carimi, OT Wisconsin Team Needs

- Another team that will benefit from a couple of underclassman quarterbacks declaring because there might not be much otherwise. Talent and youth along the offensive line is also a big need and Carimi is a big talent. His main issues, like his foot work, are things that can improve with coaching. Gabe has the athletic ability to play at both tackle spots and the potential to be a pro bowl player.

10       Cleveland Browns – Von Miller, OLB Texas A&M Team Needs

- The Browns don’t have a consistent threat to the quarterback from the outside. Miller can be a dangerous weapon, but will need to add some weight while keeping the speed.

… [visit site to read more]

Midseason Mock - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football

6-4, 285 lbs Senior

Stats:

2007-2008 JUCO Itawamba CC (MS), then transferred to MSU

2007 – 67 Tackles, 37 TFL, 19.5 Sacks

2008 – 23.5 TFL, 13.5 Sacks

2009 – 56 Tackles, 12 TFL, 5 Sacks

Pros:

McPhee uses his hands and arms very well. He keeps blockers off his frame, which allows him to shed blocks, get to the quarterback, and make his presence felt. He has a good bull rush move and a decent swim move. His numbers are down this year, but his overall game has improved. He’s solid against the run. He can create good leverage, gets off the snap with a good jump, and holds the point against the run. He has suddenness and quickness. He also has good athleticism for a man his size. Has a good motor.

Cons:

As I mentioned above, he hasn’t been getting the stats that he was expected to get this year. He’s been a disappointment since he only has 5 tackles for loss and no sacks (credited with 9 QB hurries though). One reason he couldn’t be getting to the quarterback is because of his lack of a great first step. Also, I haven’t seen him able to get around the edge effectively enough, just enough to get a lot of pressures on the QB.

Thoughts:

You don’t have to have the sack numbers to be a good defensive end, but if McPhee wants to move up to a second round grade, he should probably start sacking the quarterback. He’s shown that he does have the skill necessary to get there. Other than him struggling in that category this year, he’s a very solid prospect. He holds the point, uses his hands very well, and even drops back into coverage on occasion. He’s going to have to finish strong, or else he could drop.

Projected Round:

3rd round … [visit site to read more]

2011 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Pernell McPhee, Mississippi State - NFL Mocks - NFL Mocks - Covering the 2012 NFL draft, Mock Draft Database, Scouting Reports, and Fantasy Football